Inspirations and ponderings to living a beautiful life….

Layered Beauty Of Vibrant & Brilliant Color: Marigolds

The brilliant and vibrant Marigold. Nature’s colorful explosion of layered delight. With its intense color perhaps it is no surprise that the Marigold is known as the “Herb of the sun” and is referenced as a symbol of passion and creativity. Referred to as “Mary’s Gold” in 1600’s England, this frilly flower is golden, indeed. The brilliant and bright blooms go far in adding cheerful bursts of color to not only our landscapes but the world that surrounds and the events that life holds. Blooming brightly all season long. The puffy texture of layered bliss lends an air of cheer that beckons our attention.

The Vibrant & Frilly Marigold

The Latin botanical name of Marigolds is “Tagetes”. There are several types of Marigolds, including “Tagetes”, “Calendula”(single, double and semi-double blooms) and French Marigolds (compact & demure frilly flowers with dark green foliage). With over 50 species that include a range of sizes and colors that include white (who knew?), golden, pale & bright yellow and bright orange with some “painted” in reddish orange hues, it is the orange marigolds that beckon me. These hardy annuals that prefer full sun exposure are prized for their beauty and versatility. Although not considered perennials, some marigolds can even reseed. In fact, the seeds from spent blooms can be collected in the second half of July until mid September. A flower with a high return for certain! With a bloom time of Spring, Summer and Fall these layered flowers provide a wealth of color tones, such as gold, copper and brass, into our Summer and Autumn gardens. Nature’s delight and beauty until the first frost. For further interest, throughout history, the Marigold has been used for a wide variety of purposes beyond its floral glory. With added benefits beyond mere beauty, Marigolds are rich in essential oils and have been used for centuries as an herb. Again, who knew? Of note, in Medieval England the flowers and leaves of Marigold flowers were added to heated ale and drank as a treatment for the plague. Imagine! Alas, Marigolds and their botanical details hold a broad history of its bloom beyond what is presented here. Perhaps the history of the appreciation and importance of the flower in in order…

Fields Of Marigolds & The Decoration Of Vibrant, Floral Color

Historically, Marigolds have been linked to festivals held in pre-Columbian times with the Aztecs of Mexico. As the introduction of Marigolds were introduced around the world these vibrant flowers were incorporated in National festivals as far away as India. Ancient Greek and Roman cultures, as well as Indian and Middle Eastern cultures have held the Marigold highly. Marigolds hold great importance as garlands adorning Mexico’s annualDia de los Muertos celebration as well as within the celebrations of India. Garlands of floral distinction, for certain.

Perhaps India can be credited with an enduring appreciation of this vibrant bloom. Perhaps the celebration of Marigolds in India have given this bright flower its most auspicious recognition. Known in India as a “symbol of peace and prosperity” and referred to a “Gaindas” or “Ghendas”, the widespread appreciation of Marigold flowers found their introduction to India by early Portuguese colonists. Used for centuries in India, Marigolds continue in their representation of importance. Now produced commerically for use in traditional Indian festivals, religious ceremonies and weddings, the Marigold flowers grace and decorate events with their bright orange and yellow beauty. Of interest, the main types produced for Indian markets are “Tagetes erecta”(African marigold), “Tagetes Patula” (French marigold) and “Tagetes Tenuifolia” (striped marigold). Of course, the “chains” or “garlands” (known as “Ladis”) of cascading Marigolds that drip from doorways and draped on walls and other objects, provide an appreciation of a flower beyond its bloom. The impact of these clustered beauties deserve our focus and appreciation. Consider the beauty, whether row upon row of layered petals or garlands of vibrant appeal…certainly to be appreciated.

Consider the beauty of Marigolds. Brimming with enduring abundance these cheerful flowers, whose shapes resemble carnations, are certainly rich in history and color. Perhaps exotic with a unique mystique and distinction all their own. And of the pungent fragrance that pairs with the beauty? Not admired by the mosquitoes, the distinctively sweet and strong fragrance is certainly unique to this layered bloom. A recognizable pairing, indeed. Consider the layered beauty of vibrant & brilliant color. The beauty and the gifts of nature, indeed…

Marigolds are one of my favorite flowers to plant. I had no idea the history or significance they had…I will certainly look at them differently now! I never knew that there were white ones..I haven’t ever seen one, I bet it would be beautiful! I wish we held celebrations that used flowers like the ones you shared above……soooooo beautiful! Thank you for sharing!
Terry

Delighted to hear you, too, adore this vibrant bloom, Terry! Gaining insight into history and significance certainly brings furthered appreciation. Thrilled to know you will now view your frilly favorites from a new perspective! Seeing how these stunning flowers are used internationally really brings the glory of this bloom into focus. I appreciate your comments, Terry!
Kristin

How fantastic to select a bold color hue, such as Marigold, for your interior walls! Bold and distinctive, for certain! Alas, the choice of selecting the perfect shade of Marigold awaits you! Cheers to bold color of vibrant appeal coating your walls!
Kristin